Work at it...

There are certain scriptures that light up in my mind like fireworks.

I think this will be my theme for the New Year:

2 Timothy 4:5 says:

"But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." (New Living Translation)

The Message Version puts it this way:

"But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant."

It's a simple way of summing up what we as Christians are supposed to do.

1. Share the story of Jesus.
2. Share how Jesus' story transformed our lives (it's okay to share our flaws as well, we're only human and our frailty helps other people connect to us).
3. Live a life of purpose, doing the tasks (career, family, friendships) that only you can fulfill.

For me writing is an important part of my life so I've been working hard on my screenplay. By this time next year I believe that will be in some stage of production. I really feel like my creativity is part of my ministry.

And this will be my unofficial theme song...

"Push It To The Limit" by Corbin Bleu.



The lyrics to that song always kind of rev me up.

And Mary Mary's "Get Up" is pretty inspiring too.



How are you aspiring to engage life in the New Year? And what has been helpful in your process of becoming the best human being only you can be?

***

Front of the Class

Great film! Front of the Class is an inspiring story about a boy with Tourette syndrome who battles discrimination to realize his dream of becoming a grade school teacher. If you enjoy Hallmark Hall of Fame movies then you'll be delighted by this one. Front of the Class really knows how to pull your heart strings. And what's even more inspirational is that it's based on a true story. It stars Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and James Wolk (who seriously looks like he could be Kyle Chandler's little brother).

Prayers for Mumbai

Just wanted to say that Mumbai is in my thoughts. For such a tragedy to strike the center of Bollywood is quite saddening. India is an amazing country full of intriguing sights and people. Also, pray for the Christians over there because some still face persecution.

Native American Heritage Month

This is the month where our country is supposed to take the time to spotlight and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of those indigenous to our land.

November is the national Native American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month. But why am I just learning about this?

And where's the coverage in the news?

I feel embarrassed and saddened when I think about how little our country pays attention to Native Americans. The only time I can remember seeing a news story centered on a Native issue was when CNN did a short piece interviewing Alaskan Natives on what they thought about Gov. Sarah Palin.

I mean, come on, one story a year is completely subpar.

I wish that there was some magical solution to make things right in this country but easy answers are hard to find. So what are your thoughts on the issue? Do you think things are fine as they are? If not, what kind of change would you like to see happen?

Lastly, here are some cool links to check out:

• Native American Heritage Month
  
• Smithsonian Center Resources
  
• Reznet News
  
• Smoke Signals
  

Nicholas Sparks Writing Film for Miley Cyrus

According to Variety.com:

"Nicholas Sparks is writing a new novel and an accompanying screenplay that is being custom-fit as a star vehicle for Miley Cyrus at Disney."

I wasn't expecting this collaboration but it makes sense. Miley has a huge teen fan base and Sparks knows how to make teen girls cry i.e. A Walk to Remember and The Notebook. We all know the story is going to be inspirational and bittersweet. And that's a good thing.